Former England star and Dubai Sharks director of rugby Dylan Hartley, left, with Taif Al Delamie, head of physical performance, Aviv Clinics Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
Former England star and Dubai Sharks director of rugby Dylan Hartley, left, with Taif Al Delamie, head of physical performance, Aviv Clinics Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
Former England star and Dubai Sharks director of rugby Dylan Hartley, left, with Taif Al Delamie, head of physical performance, Aviv Clinics Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
Former England star and Dubai Sharks director of rugby Dylan Hartley, left, with Taif Al Delamie, head of physical performance, Aviv Clinics Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

'I turned up virtually broken’: Dylan Hartley on pioneering head injury treatment in Dubai


Paul Radley
  • English
  • Arabic

The sleek and minimalist lobby of Aviv Clinics in Jumeirah Lakes Towers could barely be any different to the average rugby dressing room, but Dylan Hartley appears perfectly at home.

The former England captain breezes through the reception area, trading hugs and handshakes with staff and patients alike, as if they are all part of his team.

He bounds over and introduces himself warmly, then seeks out a room to explain in depth what has brought him here.

There is a reason he feels so at ease with the place. Hartley recently completed three months of therapy at the clinic, which included two-hour sessions, five days per week.

He is excited to report the positive effects the treatment has had on him and hopes it can become a mandatory – or at least optional – part of aftercare for ex-sports players living with the effects of head injuries.

So enthused by it has he been, towards the end of the interview he looks down at the voice recorder and jokes: “You wouldn’t need one of those if you had this treatment.”

Hartley’s course included oxygen therapy sessions in a hyperbaric chamber, a treatment which has been proved to rebuild tissue to halt mental decline, improving alertness and physical performance.

He was approached about trying the treatment after arriving in the UAE last year to dovetail coaching Dubai Sharks with working for Access Hire.

“When I retired, I was on a mission to put myself back together, like Humpty Dumpty,” Hartley, 37, said. “I was a bit bashed up and there were things that needed doing.”

He underwent three days of assessments, after which a programme of treatment was prepared.

“It was like the exit medical I needed from professional rugby that I didn’t get, because there is no aftercare in the game,” he said.

“This is like the professional environment I was used to in rugby. I got everything I needed. To fast forward [to the conclusion of the three months of therapy], subjectively I was walking around fine.

“I was telling them I felt great. But it wasn’t until I had my post analysis, did the same tests again and got the metrics and data back which showed a significant improvement.

“That is not subjective. It is black and white.”

Among the results Hartley were presented with were a 91 per cent improvement in cognitive endurance and a 38 per cent improvement in auditory processing.

“I thought, ‘I’m superhuman now,’” he said. “They said, ‘No, that’s how far behind you were.’”

Hartley ended his illustrious career in professional rugby in 2019 because of a knee injury. He also had lasting damage to his hip and head.

The latter was what caused him the greatest concern given an increasing understanding about the effects of repeated traumatic brain injuries.

He said he was living with symptoms which included unreasonable irritability, fatigue, a short concentration span, as well as slurred speech which affected his work as a pundit.

Dylan Hartley has seen considerable improvement in his overall health after receiving treatment for head injury at Aviv Clinics Dubai in JLT, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
Dylan Hartley has seen considerable improvement in his overall health after receiving treatment for head injury at Aviv Clinics Dubai in JLT, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

“I used to lay there at night thinking about it,” Hartley said. “I used to lay there thinking about when I was going to decline.

“It was going on all around me. I would go on social media and see my friends, and it felt like it was just a waiting game.

“It was public that I had a lot of concussion. It is not like I played for 15 years of rugby and I just got through. I had a lot of concussion so I knew I had put myself in a position to get ‘the sick’. It is not good.”

The parallels between Hartley and Steve Thompson are uncanny. Both played the same position for Northampton Saints and England, both enjoying a significant level of success.

Thompson was even a resident of Dubai after his own playing days ended, in the same way Hartley has subsequently become.

Thompson is living with early-onset dementia and is part of a group of ex-players seeking redress from the sport due to the effects of head injuries.

Given the similarities in both their career paths and abrasive playing styles, it is no surprise Hartley wondered whether a similar fate would befall him.

“We have had different careers – he was far more successful than me,” Hartley said of Thompson.

“He was a British & Irish Lion. He won the World Cup. He is an absolute legend.

“I respect what they [the group of ex-players bringing the class action lawsuit against the sport] are doing. They are doing what is right for them. Their situations are different.

“Mine is one I have created for myself in terms of alternative treatments. All I want from this is, if I can go through this and show any sort of improvement – and my improvement has been significant – then I can show those people an alternative treatment.

“What I am trying to do is educate people on what we have here. It is not going to be right for 100 per cent of people, but it might help some people.

“If I can fix myself and send the message, then I feel like my job is done.”

Hartley felt so good about the recuperative effects of his treatment that he even underwent hip replacement surgery a third of the way through his treatment programme.

He did not miss a session. Within a week the wound had healed, and he was back exercising – comfortably – within two.

His recovery and progress was particularly quick, according to Taif Al Delamie, the head of physical performance at Aviv Clinics.

He acknowledged that Hartley’s age and background in pro-sport will have aided the recovery but is sure the hyperbaric therapy helped expedite it, too.

“We see a lot of people in the programme post surgery, because it helps with the healing process, reducing inflammation, and providing oxygen-rich plasma to the injured tissue,” Al Delamie said.

“As he was already in the programme, he had a head start in these processes.”

  • Dubai Sharks's new director of rugby Dylan Hartley during a team session at Dubai Sports City. Victor Besa / The National
    Dubai Sharks's new director of rugby Dylan Hartley during a team session at Dubai Sports City. Victor Besa / The National
  • Dubai Sharks forwards coach Josh Ives, left, director of rugby Dylan Hartley, centre, and head coach Matthew Pewtner at Dubai Sports City. Victor Besa / The National
    Dubai Sharks forwards coach Josh Ives, left, director of rugby Dylan Hartley, centre, and head coach Matthew Pewtner at Dubai Sports City. Victor Besa / The National
  • Dubai Sharks players during training at Dubai Sports City. Victor Besa / The National
    Dubai Sharks players during training at Dubai Sports City. Victor Besa / The National
  • Dubai Sharks players train at Dubai Sports City. Victor Besa / The National
    Dubai Sharks players train at Dubai Sports City. Victor Besa / The National
  • Dubai Sharks forwards coach Josh Ives, left, with Dylan Hartley. Victor Besa / The National
    Dubai Sharks forwards coach Josh Ives, left, with Dylan Hartley. Victor Besa / The National
  • Dubai Sharks players and coaches during training. Victor Besa / The National
    Dubai Sharks players and coaches during training. Victor Besa / The National
  • Sharks women’s team coach Christelene Steinhobel. Victor Besa / The National
    Sharks women’s team coach Christelene Steinhobel. Victor Besa / The National
  • Head coach Matthew Pewtner during training. Victor Besa / The National
    Head coach Matthew Pewtner during training. Victor Besa / The National

Al Delamie was the person who first contacted Hartley about the treatment offered at the clinic.

Coincidentally, he had his own amateur rugby career – which saw him play for Jebel Ali Dragons and captain the region’s representative side – ended by concussion.

Hartley hopes more people can benefit from the therapy he has undergone.

“I turned up here virtually broken,” Hartley said. “I was the captain of my country, captain of my club where I played for 15 years, and there is no after care.

“I think there should be a basic level of responsibility on the organisations to a player who has given everything.

“Yes, we get paid well, and we get the glory, and it is an honour to play. It is a privilege. But there should be a basic level of responsibility to get a player back to be a civilian.

“What I want to do for my game and my community in rugby is make this available for them.

“I have talked to England Rugby, I have talked to World Rugby. Conversations have been slow. I went along thinking, ‘Hey, look at my results, everyone be excited.’

“But they are dealing with so many things, they are putting it in their to-do list. I was thinking people would be jumping at the chance for any solution.

“That gut feeling I had is gone [for me]. I sleep a lot better because my hip is good and my head is good.

“There are small things, too. Like family time. I don’t have that constant concern that I am going to deteriorate. Or at least not too soon. We all deteriorate one day, then I’ll come back here for a top up!”

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

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Our legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EYango%20Deli%20Tech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EUAE%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELaunch%20year%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERetail%20SaaS%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESelf%20funded%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Safety 'top priority' for rival hyperloop company

The chief operating officer of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Andres de Leon, said his company's hyperloop technology is “ready” and safe.

He said the company prioritised safety throughout its development and, last year, Munich Re, one of the world's largest reinsurance companies, announced it was ready to insure their technology.

“Our levitation, propulsion, and vacuum technology have all been developed [...] over several decades and have been deployed and tested at full scale,” he said in a statement to The National.

“Only once the system has been certified and approved will it move people,” he said.

HyperloopTT has begun designing and engineering processes for its Abu Dhabi projects and hopes to break ground soon. 

With no delivery date yet announced, Mr de Leon said timelines had to be considered carefully, as government approval, permits, and regulations could create necessary delays.

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League last-16, second leg:

Real Madrid 1 (Asensio 70'), Ajax 4 (Ziyech 7', Neres 18', Tadic 62', Schone 72')

Ajax win 5-3 on aggregate

Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
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What to watch out for:

Algae, waste coffee grounds and orange peels will be used in the pavilion's walls and gangways

The hulls of three ships will be used for the roof

The hulls will painted to make the largest Italian tricolour in the country’s history

Several pillars more than 20 metres high will support the structure

Roughly 15 tonnes of steel will be used

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

How to wear a kandura

Dos

  • Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion 
  • Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
  • Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work 
  • Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester

Don’ts 

  • Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal 
  • Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Updated: June 15, 2023, 5:51 AM